THE San Miguel Beermen and the TNT Tropang Giga surged in front as they registered dominant wins over their respective foes in the PBA Season 47 Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen walloped the Meralco Bolts, 121-97, while TNT spanked the Magnolia Hotshots, 108-96, to draw first blood in the best-of-seven affairs.
CJ Perez set the tone early for San Miguel as he scored 10 of his 25 points in the first quarter as the Beermen zoomed ahead, 33-16, and never looked back. Rodney Brondial added a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Vic Manuel came off the bench and chimed in with 16.
Cebuano June Mar Fajardo had a muted game with just 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but it was hardly noticed as the Beermen was just too strong against the weary Bolts.
Meanwhile, Mikey Williams had 26 points, five boards, and four dimes as TNT stamped its dominance in a game wherein they led by as much as 24 points.
Cebuano wingman Roger Pogoy had 23 points while Glenn Khobuntin and Jayson Castro contributed 18 and 12 points, respectively. (JNP)